Web Application for Contractor Claim Analysis

The nature of the construction industry is complex, dynamic and involves numerous parties who have their own targets and goals and those parties are working together with different skills, abilities and mutual trust. Since there are more and more complex forms and nature of construction projects due to advanced technologies, new methods, standards and changes from owners desires, the cooperation and coordination between the parties: mainly the contractor, the owner, the consultant and the engineer and the integrity of skills and abilities of all parties in one project are essentially needed for the successful completion of projects with minimal claims and disputes.

Construction claim is the most difficult part in everyday construction industry. Contracted parties, especially owners and contractors are finding the ways to solve and reduce the possibilities of claim in respective projects. In this point, many claim analysts are evolved or hired for solving appeared claims and disputes. As part of modern IT technology, many web based claim consultants are developed but those are not effective as expected. The cost of hiring claim analyst and litigation process is beyond the small contractor’s reach and it is the significant problem that hinders the adoption of IT applications in small contractors.

There are two important parts in construction claim process: Entitlement part and Damage calculation part. Both parts depend on each other as the claim must be valid with cause and effect relationship and with some damage amount. Previous research efforts are trying out in analyzing claim process focusing on entitlement section including how to document and prove. They didn’t find out how to integrate these two important sections with technological solutions.

Mr. Aung Chan Thar made a study which combined and integrated the two important claim analysis sections with some programming tools and develops prototype application.

The primary objective of his study was to develop the model of claim analysis and to implement the prototype application which is focusing on the construction claim analysis for contractors regardless of the contracting company size.

For developing the claim analysis model, the objectives were to: (1) find out the construction claim analysis process; (2) map out the construction claim analysis process workflow in accordance with the established contract conditions and contract types; (3) determines the criteria and requirements for making claim analysis; and (4) define and verify a unique set of forms, procedures, methods and variables for damage calculation

For developing of prototype application, these were to: (1) choose the suitable technology to develop the prototype; and (2) create a friendly user interface system for convenience and practicable in use.

Conclusion

To find out the construction claim analysis process

This is achieved with the development of differing site condition claim analysis process models and delay claim analysis process models which are below.



To map out the construction claim analysis process workflow in accordance with the established contract conditions and contract types.

The construction claim analysis process workflow is combined and developed with FIDIC 1999 red book contract provisions which are described in details of about two claim types. In addition to the implementation for this objective, study provide another related and supporting concept, the contract type. While the system is in operation, the system automatically shows the contract provisions of FIDIC associated with the claim type. In this way, this sub objective is accomplished.

To determine the criteria and requirements for making claim analysis

The system analysis mainly supports and provides the fulfillment of this objective. For making claim analysis, the documents needed as well as the steps to take are shown and integrated with claim analysis models.

To define and verify a unique set of forms, procedures, methods and variables for damage calculation

Defining of forms, procedures, methods and variables are implemented in this study. Occurrence report forms, the best proofs of request for equitable adjustment (REA) or claim are combined with claim analysis process model. They are verified as they are used in US claim process and published by one claim consultant for practical use. Calculation methods are provided with options. In this study, actual cost method and total cost method are provided. Variables needed to compute the quantum of damage are defined and it is verified by data collection in three different construction companies. Claim process and analysis process are verified by one of the claim consultants from US.

The second part of objective of this study is mainly based and concerned with the development of application especially related with computing technology. For the implementation of application, there are many technologies available and selection of this technology plays an important part as this is the prototype system and addition of further development to up-to-date system is possible.

To choose the suitable technology to develop the prototype

The technology available and chosen are My SQL database technology for database handling, PHP script language for user interface and Apache web server for interacting with database and web pages. In this study, Apache personal web server is used for the conveniences of simulation and presentation.

To create a friendly user interface system for convenience and practicable in use.

The user interface is constructed simply and linking to different modules is provided in each web page. Claim process and claim analysis process models are described as image format in this study. This becomes the point needed for further development. At first, the researcher planned to integrate and developed these models with flash animation. These models will be more user-friendly and efficient for further usage if it is developed with flash animation. However, due to lack of sufficient programming knowledge and professions on flash application, researcher can only present these models with image formats.

Upon conclusion, as it has already described above, the two main objectives of this study is accomplished with the results of prototype application. All the implementations and developments are made with the alignment of study objectives and within the scope and boundaries established in introduction. As the methodology of this study is mainly based on waterfall model, prototype application development is stronger and systematically implemented.

Recommendation

As this is the prototype system although the basic needs of functions, interfaces and developments are added, further improvements are essentially needed for better usage and application. Further recommendations are:

The researcher tried to develop with claim process models with Flash animation but in vain. For user friendliness and sharing specific knowledge to user, development with Flash animation is strongly recommended.

For time constraints and technological constraints, Time Impact Analysis can only be shown as model. According to this procedure, prototype claim analysis system will be better one if it is integrated with planning analysis tool such as Primavera.

Application interfaces can be developed with animation tools and better form layout for advanced functions.

His thesis abstract is copied and posted.

Abstract

The evolution of construction industry into construction business becomes a big challenge to construction key participants: owner, engineer and contractors within a past decade. Timely and qualified performances as well as professional skills and risk management ability of participants are essentially needed to achieve successful project. Construction claims become the challenging issue for owners and contractors due to the construction is regarded as a business. To be an effective claim, careful analysis of claim is of most importance manner.

This study is integrated the two important parts of claim and claim analysis: Entitlement and Quantum. Claim analysis of two different claim types are performed with the help of web application. Analysis of claim for entitlement is supported by mapping out with FIDIC red book contract provisions as well as related documents. Quantum analysis is achieved with the calculation of main damaged items.

These two functions are carried out with prototype web application which is developed with MySQL database technology and PHP script language. This prototype application will be the basic claim analysis tools for further development which can be possible to combine with planning tools.

Keywords: Web Application, Computer Application, Claim Analysis, Documenting of Claim Analysis, Construction Claims.

Design Management for Architectural Project: A Case Study of PVMTC – Petrovietnam Building Project

In reality, 75% of the problems encounters in the construction field are generated in the design phase. The problems have been compounded by inherent design flaws. In order to reduce these problems, the obvious thing to begin with is to focus on what the people can do to catch these problems in the design phase.

- Process to manage a design work is quite complicated because the scope of the projects is usually changed.

- In design work, coordination of design among architect, structural and mechanical/ electrical is a complex process. Many problems happen due to misunderstanding, miscommunication and miss-coordination.

- Management and supervision of project’s work progress.

The above problems are the reasons why the need to manage the design phase in an architectural project are very important. Mr. Dang Dinh Lam made a study which aims were to: (1) identify effective design management for a architectural project; and (2) investigate the application of design management in a case study.

Conclusion

This report aimed at structuring knowledge on design management process. Based on studies in design process in architectural project, it was hoped that the research would provide how to manage design execution in architectural project better for readers. It is not statistically proved that all findings and implications in this research can be generally applicable. Validity and reliability associated with the data used in this report are not sufficient to provide solid answers, taken in isolation. Further research is needed to clarify to what extent these indications are of a general nature of project- specific.

In this report, the author had designed a model in designing management for architectural project. This is a model and readers can review activities in this process to apply in their own project.

In this study, scope of designer presented above shows us what designers have to do in architectural project. This study also presents the process of designer selection. It is good for us to monitor design phase from bidding activities to finalizing the design work in term of time, cost and quality.

By showing the coordination of lead designer with other designer such as construction, mechanical, electrical designers, readers can review the coordination procedure to apply in their project.

Finally, Vietnamese regulations and standards applied in construction building project in Vietnam were presented. It is good for a person who has intend to find design job in Vietnam.

His thesis abstract is copied and posted.
Abstract

Sociological changes, new technology in industry and trade, new building codes, new laws and regulations, inflationary economies, and advances in building technology place an ever-increasing burden on building designers and construction. They must enrich more and more knowledge and skills to cope with such demands.

The public continually demands more complex buildings than in the past. Buildings must serve more purposes, last longer, and require less maintenance and repair while keeping their attractiveness. However, both building construction and operating costs must be kept within acceptable limits and new constructors should be alerted to these advances and taught how to apply them skillfully.

One important factor of architectural design is the adaptation of operation research, or system design, which developed around the middle of the twentieth century and originally applied with noteworthy results to the design of machines and electronic equipments. In the past, design of new buildings was mainly an imitation of the design of an existing building. Innovations were often developed fortuitously and by intuition and were rare. Contrary to the past, nowadays system design encourages innovation. It is a precise procedure that guides creativity toward the best decisions. As a result, it plays a significant role in meeting the challenges by increasing building complexity and costs. The basic principles of systems design are presented in the following section.

Caterpillar D11R

We are currently looking for 3x High Hour Cat D11r's to purchase for rebuilding purposes. In addition, we are also looking for 4x High Hour Cat 777's for rebuilding purposes...Units do not need to be in running condition. Will purchase "as is where is" worldwide.

MSloane Consulting Co.
info@msloaneconsulting.com

Waltco GlideTrac Liftgate

This video demonstrates the unique advantages of the Waltco GlideTrac liftgate.

We sell a variety of liftgate solutions. Call Jack at 916-376-0690 for more info.

Maxon Lift Model GPSLR

The new Maxon GPSLR 3300 LBS. capacity rear sliding liftgate. 60" deep x 86" platform with dual retention ramps.

At WCTE, we offer a wide range of liftgate solutions. Call Jack for more info at 916-376-0690

Western Mule Pickup Truck Cranes

Introducing Western Mule Cranes: Heavy duty Fold-A-Way Bumper Cranes and Telescoping Boom Cranes that lift up to 2500 lbs. Various models to choose from for your pickup truck, service body, flatbed, van, cube van and more.

This can be mounted on your new unit or your existing truck. Give Jack at call today at 916-376-0690.

Great Looking Knapheide KSS Body!

Who said that a service body had to look like a work truck? This truck is sweet! Mike Soich with Knapheide Manufacturing sent me these beautiful shots of Knapheide's KSS (R) Body mounted on an uplevel Lariet Ford Crew Cab.

This particular body is an 8' KSS (R) with open top lids, electric lock system, compartment lighting and in the open compartment shown is a 3,000 watt inverter with double CGI outlets in the rear of the truck. It also has 2 recessed work lights you can see in the rear above the bumper with expanded metal cover. The factory two tone on the cab has been carried through on the body and the inside of the bed area has a spray on liner. It also has a unique, custom cab guard with LED arrow stick installed.

Here are some of the features of the Knapheide KSS (R) standard body:

• Contoured Automotive Styling
• Triple Contact Door Seals
• Wrap Around Tail Lights
• "K-Coat" Paint Protection
• Complete Undercoating
• 56", 60" and 84" CA models
• KSS (R) Appearance Tailored to Ford, Dodge & GM
• Removable Pickup Style Tailgate
• Automotive Style Door Latches
• Concealed Door Hinges
• 40" High Standard and Flip-Top Models
• Customize with Option Fit (TM) Options

Thanks, Mike for sending these shots. This is a great truck to show off. I know there are a lot of contractors out there who would love to have one just like it. For more information, call Jack at 916-376-0690.

Spare Parts for Caterpillar and Komatsu

MSloane Consulting Co. is now an authorized factory direct dealer for After Market spare parts for Komatsu and Caterpillar. These parts are NOT MADE IN CHINA.

CATERPILLAR parts for Bulldozers ( from D4 to D11 ), Wheel / Truck loaders, Hydraulic Excavators( 320/330/345), Motor graders(120G/140G/12/14G,H /130/140-160G/H), Dumpers ( 772/773 776/779 )and Backhoeloders ( 416-424-438-426-436) . We can provide replacements from the small to the big machines.

KOMATSU , we can offer , Parts for Hydraulic Excavators ( PC200/220/240/300/340 ), and for Bulldozers D365/375 , D65/75, D155.

Our range is basically focused on :

• GEARS (final drive, transmission, differential, worms)

• ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS • HYDRAULIC COMPONENTS

• METERING PUMPS •WATER / OIL PUMPS, UNDERCARRIAGE PARTS (bogie, equalizer bar,

pivot shafts) • FINAL DRIVE PARTS • TRANSMISSION PARTS

• SCRAPER ROLLERS • AIR CONDITIONING PARTS • SHIELDS

• ENGINE RELATED PARTS

info@msloaneconsulting.com

Well...haven't updated recently, but...

will be having a blog, probably cross-posted here and on the official IceCube blog, during my South Pole deployment. Look for photos and videos...all will be school-aged children appropriate as I work with my daughters' science teachers.

Water Generators

Fresh drinking water in remote locations is always an issue. Building infrastructure is costly and time consuming. MSloane Consulting Co. is now an authorized factory direct dealer of AWG machines. These machines are portable and can be set up in a matter of hours and can produce 30L to 5000L per day. Atmospheric Water Generators

Contact us for more information at info@msloaneconsulting.com

Knapheide Raised TSR Adds Space And Value For A Small Amount

 

Here's a sweet setup of a very useful body on a Chevy HD 3/4-Ton Extended Cab Chassis with a 6.0 Gas V8. This one has the uplevel LT1 package so it is a lot more than just a work truck.

The working end of this truck has a Knapheide 8' Service HD Body with a 2-piece Raised Telescopic Sliding Roof (TSR), Forklift Loadable Rack, Class IV Receiver, and a 1200 lb. rated IFW Bedslide. The top cover slides back opening about 50% of the bed area and that will allow taller items to be carried occasionally. The best thing is the bedslide which allows access to the whole of the compartment without ever climbing in there yourself. That's a good thing. The bedslide has three lock positions, one all the way in, the middle, and the end. The photo above shows it in the middle position, so you can slide it all the way out and access the items in the very front of the body.

These photos are courtesy of Fairfield Chevrolet-Isuzu Truck in Fairfield, CA. Let Jack create one of these great space vehicles for you! Call Jack at 916-376-0690. 

RKI Tool Boxes Give You Total Confidence!

That's confidence! RKI Toolboxes.

We got you covered. Call Jack today at 916-376-0690

Nice Stahl Challenger X Raised Roof Service Body

This is a very nice looking Stahl Challenger X with a high roof mounted on a conventional cab single rear wheel chassis. This particular photo was found on the site of Lancaster Truck Bodies, of Kennett Square, PA. I've seen many Challenger X units, but have never seen this with the high roof. Very nice.

The ChallengerX Service Body is an economical, rugged and dependable, utility service body that is the perfect solution for tool storage needs. Concealed door hinges with spring loaded door holders hold doors open at 90° for easier access. Automotive clip-on door seals protect your assets from the elements. The ChallengerX also takes advantage of an exclusive “Lock-Bolt” mechanical fastening system. This system reduces 80% of the welding used on conventional service bodies but is stronger and more consistent than traditional welding construction.

To get your Stahl body, call Jack at 916-376-0690.

Success factors for financial sustainability of toll road project in China

The rapid growth of the Chinese economy calls for massive development of infrastructure and assets. Over the past 10 years a national trunk highway system and a network of urban and provincial expressways have emerged in China (World Bank, 2003). A World Bank (2003) research estimated that highway investments in China significantly increased in the late 1990s and reached 2.5 percent of GDP. Still, an estimated $75-100 billion needs to be invested in highway construction over the next 15 years. Toll road is one of infrastructure project that has high ability to attract private investment since it is able to recover directly the costs of its operation and construction through toll charges. While this brings a lot of opportunities to project stakeholders, it also contains various risks that can bring the result that the real project outcomes are very much lower than the expected.

Ms. Truong Thi My Thanh made a study which main objective was to develop the model of success factors for Chinese toll roads to achieve financial sustainability in planning and executing stages and recommend proper consideration from key stakeholders to ensure that toll road project can be sustainable and more attractive to private investment. To complete the main objectives, following sub objectives were explored:

1. Investigate the cost and financial performance of toll roads in China to find out significant attributes influence on the difference of estimated and actual outcomes

2. Investigate the impact of above factors to project finance for short term and long term sustainability.

3. To propose the model for financial sustainability of toll roads in China and provide recommendations for policy makers, international lending institutes and toll road developers as required consideration in planning stage to enhance the certain of financial condition and control the financial sustainability in executing stage.

Conclusions

Toll road is one of infrastructure project that has high ability to attract private investment since it is able to recover directly the costs of its operation and construction through toll charges. Toll road development can be attractive to investors and lenders only if the financial and economic benefit can be met. Financial sustainability is the essential part of this entire criterion, with many attributes should be considered. It is true that the financial sustainability of toll road depends on the performance of all stakeholders involve in project from initial phase to the end of project life cycle. Planning and executing stages are the most important and have high impact to project financial sustainability. Proper considerations to the significant attributes in these two stages need to be taken from involved stakeholders to ensure that long-term survival and sustainability are achieved.

The purpose of studying toll road performance and the impact to financial sustainability is to (1) indentify the significant factors impact to project financial sustainability in planning and executing stages, and (2) recommend proper consideration from key stakeholders to ensure that toll road project can be sustainable and more attractive to private investment.

The study was carried out by examining seven Chinese toll roads with different development model. The focus was to investigate toll road development model, the participation of stakeholders and the risks they had to face with. After that, in-depth analysis is on (1) financial sources (2) financial usages and investment cost variation (3) revenue base (4) operating performance (5) financial benefit and (6) financial sustainable situation. Those attributes were investigated in combination with the involvement of key stakeholders related to projects. A qualitative research was prepared where the data collection techniques are case studies.

From the analysis, the factors impact to project financial sustainability can be divided into five levels (1) Policy support (2) Regional development (3) Fund raising model (4) Project development (5) Financial structure. All these factors are essentially important for project developer’s consideration.

Policy support: This factor covers four significant attributes (1) Government assurance (2) Land acquisition and resettlement policy (3) Toll rate structure and tolling adjustment and (4) Penalty regulation for truck over load. Government assurance provides the legal support to negotiate with ADB/WB to get the loan. The policy support for land acquisition activities reduces the risks of delay and cost overrun. Additionally, the proper toll rate setting and fixed frequency of tolling adjustment ensure the certainty of revenue stream and help toll road developer can foresee the profit. Lastly, the strictly penalty is needed for truck over loading to reduce the maintenance cost of toll roads.

Regional development: Financial sustainability extremely depends on the certainty of project revenue stream which significantly impacted by master plan of regional development. The study found that appropriate point time of investment base on socio-economic situation ensures proper traffic flow after toll road start to operate. Additionally, toll road projects constructed in combination with the upgrading of local toll road network and industrial zones promise the high traffic growth rate and higher revenue stream in the future.

Fund raising model: The study found out that securitisation model for Chinese toll road development has the highest level of long term financial sustainability, because the local government provides very high level of grant and subsidy. Government build and operate model has quite high ability of financial sustainability but lower than securitisation model. Project establishes very high level of contingencies budget even the total cost will increase. Additionally, local government subsidise the over budget of construction cost, hence there will no increase in short term debt and current liabilities. Cooperative joint venture model of toll road in China has lowest level of financial sustainability since it uses very high debt to equity ratio; the debt mostly comes from domestic bank with high interest rate and high interest during construction. Project is developed separately with the improvement of local road network and the expansion of industrial zones because there is limited source of fund of investors.

Project development: It was found that four significant problems closely go along with the development of toll road project, they are inappropriate preparing in feasibility study, improper land acquisition planning, delay in land acquisition implementation and not timely approval of works variations and equipment procurement from ADB/WB. Changes between feasibility design and detailed design because of improper feasibility preparation was the most significant reason caused civil work and land acquisition cost overrun. Resettlement plan, compensation standard and the difference in acquiring temporary and permanent land was carried out ineffectively caused over budget of land cost. Limited budget contributes to the delay of land acquisition activities. The delay of project completion also involved with the insufficient feedback on report ADB/WB required from project executing agency hence delay in resolving problems and difficulties that occurred during project implementation.

Financial structure: This factor covered five significant attributes; they were (1) Debt to equity ratio of capital investment, (2) Government grant, (3) Source of debt, (4) Source of equity and (5) emergency budget for financial consumption overrun. It was found that the D/E split which was used to develop toll road project in China mostly based on the financial health of local government rather than the ability to generate revenue of project itself. The grant from central government was just used to improve some section of feeder roads, hence the amount mostly based on the length and socio-economic condition of the projects while grant from local government was significantly based on the benefit that local government could receive from project. The result showed that the amount of ADB/WB loan had very high impact to financial structure of investment capital since it reduces the debt from domestic bank and the percentage of grant. The study also found out that local government was not yet successful to attract private participation since equity from private sectors still played minor part of investment capital. When project got construction cost overrun project owners used three sources of emergency budget cover investment overrun, they were short term loan from domestic banks, local government subsidy and contingencies budget. Government build and operate model used highest contingencies budget and received fully support in the context of subsidy from local government. Whereas cooperative joint venture model had to find the loan from domestic bank since it used low contingencies budget and not received any subsidy from local government.

Recommendations for critical factors model

The development model for financial sustainability of Chinese toll road has been structured in considering long term and short term impact. Based on the findings from the information of diverse situation, the model has been structured on policy support, regional development, organisational model, project development and financial structure levels. The recommendations for key stakeholders involves in toll road project have also been provided to enhance the financial sustainability of toll road development. The applicability of critical factors model will help policy makers, toll road developers and international lending organisation (ADB and WB) to foresee the sustainability of financial condition of toll road in planning stage through proper master plan for regional development, policy support and effective organisational model. Additionally, the findings also help toll road developers to control and enhance the financial sustainability in executing stage through the risk mitigation instrument in each development step, proper financial structure of investment capital and appropriate sources of fund as emergency budget for financial consumption overrun. Lastly, the applicability of the findings not only used for Chinese toll road developers but for stakeholders in other emerge economy countries as well.

Drop Steps Adds Utility To Rear Step Bumper

This is an interesting design for drop steps for are rear step bumper on a commercial truck body. Folded up and pinned when not needed (most of the time), pull the pins and reposition it when needed. I like the grip strut, keep-the-mud-off-the-bumper feature--the non-slip-grip-tread-and-keep-it-clean-at-the-same-time feature. Simple design and simply effective and while they are stored in the up position, there is still center access to the body. It all works.

We do custom work. Just tell us what you want and we can get it done. Call Jack at 916-376-0690.

Atmosphiric Water Generators

Produce fresh drinking water from the humidity in the
air. Great for Remote Locations, Offices, Home, Schools…
Our machines range in production capacity of 30L per day for home and office to our commercial units producing from 250L-5000L per day.


Atmospheric Water Generators (AWG) utilize
the same technology as your air-condition
unit with an added 12 stage filtration system
that purifies the water produced by the unit.
AWG machines are humidity and temperature
driven and will provide clean drinking
water 24 hours a day for the life of the
machine without the added cost of transport,
storage or costly infrastructure development
costs.

Our units are compact and mobile and can
be deployed anywhere there is power
available or if no power is available the units
can be powered by portable power generators.
In addition, commercial units can be used in
sequence to deliver needed water
requirements.


Contact: MSloane Consulting Co.
info@msloaneconsulting.com

Putting Bodies On 1/2-Ton Trucks Can Be A Serious Problem

I've heard some dealers who think that putting a service body on a 1/2-ton truck to keep the cost down is quite acceptable, and even preferred. There are even body companies who are foolish enough to help them out by doing it. Here is the main issues I have with this scenario:

Just for example, let's take a Chevrolet 1500 long bed.

GVWR: This is the most the truck can weigh legally with everything including passengers, cargo, fuel, etc. The GVWR for this truck is 6400 lbs.

TARE: The empty or shipping weight of this vehicle as a pickup truck is 4592 lbs for the base model and 4893 lbs for the LT model. We will be super conservative here and use the base model.

The math: 6400 lbs GVWR minus 4592 lbs empty weight equals 1808 potential cargo capacity.

Now, as a half-ton truck 1808 lbs cargo capacity less passengers, fuel fuel load, etc is just fine and actually quite a lot, but when we add a steel service body which weighs on average about 1,000 lbs, then add a 300 lbs ladder rack, there isn't much left. But, let's be fair. I'm going to remove the pickup box and credit the cargo capacity by about 300 lbs, so now as an empty chassis, we have 2108 lbs available.

Now take the body with rack of 1300 lbs and deduct it from the available capacity of 2108 lbs and this now leaves us with a maximum payload including passengers, full fuel load and cargo of only 808 lbs. Let's put two people in the cab at an average of 150 lbs each and about 120 lbs for fuel fuel tank. This now leaves us with only 388 lbs of available cargo capacity. This is a ridiculously small amount of capacity. On the 3/4-ton it would be a minimum of 1500 lbs and often more.

But. . . that's not the real problem. Some people might say, "we can't control what people put into a service body, so 388 lbs is a lot." I say, that you CAN control what people put on their truck that they buy from you.

Here's the real problem. How many closets do you have in your house that are empty? I ask this question in every training session and I never get even a single one. What do we do with closets? We fill them up with stuff. Do we ever empty them? Only when we move. If we had more closets, would we have empty ones? Not a chance. It seems to be human nature to fill up those empty spaces. Well, that is a service body. It is a bunch of closets on a truck and people who buy service bodies do exactly the same thing we do at home with our closets. They fill them up. Except they fill them up with heavy things like tools, and machines, chains, etc. And. . . they never empty them. If there is empty space, they fill it. Then they put some more in the cargo bed area too. 388 lbs would go by so quickly, you wouldn't even notice it happened.

But that's not all--not by a longshot. Let's look at safety. Half ton trucks have half ton type tires and are meant to only carry half ton type loads. They have half ton brakes which are designed to stop only half ton loads. They have half ton axles which are designed to support only half ton loads. They have half ton suspensions which are designed to support only half ton loads. In fact, everything about the half ton is half ton rated. A steel service body is not half ton rated.

Even an aluminum service body on a half ton is still not a very good idea, although it is about 40% lighter. A fiberglass body is even lighter, even as light as 500 lbs plus the rack, but the primary thing to remember is how people use service bodies versus how they use a pickup truck. All those closets means only one thing: they can fill them up with stuff and they don't get emptied, so it is loaded 100 percent of the time. Pickups are not.

As a dealer, all of this puts a dealer in the liability loop in a big way. Suppose one buys this truck and gets into an accident. Not an on purpose, but an accident. Suppose someone got hurt. Suppose there are lawyers getting involved. Suppose they start checking the facts. It would be child's play to find out that this body should never have been put on this truck. Guess what comes next. Cha-ching!

Worse than this is someone is seriously injured because an axle broke under the load. I've seen it happen on trucks many times--even on trucks we sold and that is why I learned this lesson the hard way many, many years ago.

My best advice is to steer clear of half ton trucks with service bodies of any kind.

Awesome All-Aluminum Contractor Body by Pro-Tech

 

 

 

Pro-Tech builds one of the nicest aluminum flatbeds on the market. Polish the side rails, add some nice aluminum wheels and you have a decked out truck that gets attention--even on a white truck. I have sold a number of these over the years.

This one was spotted at the NTEA Work Truck Show about a year ago, and here's some features that I liked:

• The base is the Pro-Tech aluminum flatbed. In this case it is a 10' model. The side rails have been polished (a 1-hour or less job at the dealership with a buffer). It has the tapered headboard of which I think Pro-Tech does a particularly great job on the dimensions and design of.
• It has an aluminum backpack box behind the cab with access all the way through with upper and lower doors as seen in the photo. This box is 24" wide, so this along with the 10' flatbed are a perfect combination on the 84" CA chassis this is shown on.
• On the streetside is a Pro-Tech contractor box with the open top lids. Beautiful and very functional.
• Right behind the contractor box is an underbed box mounted on top with a 3-drawer assembly mounted in it. Doesn't that look hot! Very nice.
• Coming around back is a very nice fold down aluminum gate. I love the design of this gate.
• On the curbside is an aluminum basket. A very thoughtful addition.
• Next is a drop down lid box that is a nice tall one to carry some sizable items.
• Under the bed are some underbed boxes attached to the bottom of the backpack.
• Then there is the HD aluminum forklift loadable rack. (I recommend you ask them to build it with cleats and bolt it on rather than welding it). There is also an aluminum stop at the headboard and screen protecting the cab.

The best part, other than not dealing with rust, paint, peeling and all that maintenance stuff is the fact that the whole package is 40-50% lighter than the steel counterparts. This makes for more fuel efficient operation, and equally important is additional cargo capacity. Pro-Tech is in Vancouver, WA (Portland area) and LaVergne, TN (Nashville area). Check out their website at www.protech.net.

We are authorized distributors for Pro-Tech equipment. Give Jack at call at 916-376-0690.

Henderson TGS Tailgate Salt and Sand Spreader



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Quality Management in Construction Projects: A Case Study of Quality Management in Construction Projects of an Oil and Gas Company

Currently, although businesses involved in construction activities apply quality management systems, but in practice there are a lot of poor works that worry people and society. Consequences of poor quality will damage property and waste money of business and community, and it also cause danger to people.

To ensure the effective application of quality management for construction projects, it requires the strong commitment of business leaders and implementation of multiple solutions. Applying this effective quality management will bring many potential benefits for businesses. Mr. Le Van Thong made a research which main objectives were: (1) determination of quality management activities in the construction in the Oil and Gas Company; and (2) to discuss and review the effectiveness of quality management in construction of the Oil and Gas Company

Conclusions

Quality management system has been applied by PTSC companies in their projects. It brings success to the company for many years now, and became a famous company in the international market in oil and gas technical services industry in Vietnam. They are the useful tools to avoid and mitigate problems and to improve quality performances of the following projects. They are the principles that management use to achieve effective cost control, quality control, schedule control etc. Many civil and industry construction Corporations, companies in developed countries have been applied the successful Quality Management and got more profits and reduced lost time and cost for reworks. They recognize the importance of the Quality Management and have responsibilities to identify, assess, prevent and manage all breakdowns and risks to projects, damage to property and working environment.

The quality improvement programs establish actions for achieving the objectives and targets, in line with the policy commitment of continuous improvement. When establishing targets, the following will be taken into consideration:

- Who do? How? Who supervise the provision of information; as executive / coordination / control is assigned in advance and all agents involved must comply.

- The system clearly and closely flexibility have created a positive consequence of works completed on schedule, ensure quality and safety.

Effectiveness of the implementation quality management:

After implementation of the quality management, there are some achieved results as below:

1. Quality Assurance is to obtain completed construction that meets all contract requirements. Assurance is defined as a degree of certainty. Quality assurance personnel continually assure that the contractor's works comply with contract requirements.

2. Quality Control is the successful execution of a realistic plan to ensure that the required standards of quality construction will be met. In QC, the contractor defines procedures to manage and control his own, designer of record, consultant, architect-engineer, all subcontractor and all supplier activities so that the completed project complies with contract requirements. For design-build contracts, this includes providing and maintaining a Design Quality Control plan as a part of the overall contract QC plan. This plan, as a minimum, must assure that all documents are reviewed by a technically competent independent reviewer specifically named in the plan. This review cannot be performed by the same designers that produced the product. The design QC plan must be managed by a Design QC Manager who has verifiable engineering or architectural design experience or is a registered engineer or architect. The Design QC Manager is under the supervision of the QC Manager.

Recommendations

1. The performance of Quality Management must be carried out permanently in the company to prevent all budget overrun, progress slow, reworks maybe happening from the existing projects and future projects.

2. The performance of Quality Management must be concerned from the top management to everybody in the company.

3. Examine the quality control methods being used to determine if the contractor is properly controlling design activities in design-build contracts.

4. Examine the quality control methods being used to determine if the contractor is properly controlling construction activities.

5. Make certain that the necessary changes are made in the contractor's QC system, if excessive construction deficiencies occur.

6. Assist the contractor in understanding and implementing the contract requirements.

7. Examine ongoing and completed work.

8. Produce the quality specified in the plans and specifications and for design-build contracts in the Request for Proposal, as well as the contractor's accepted proposal.

9. Develop and maintain an effective QC system.

10. Perform all control activities and tests.

11. Prepare acceptable documentation of QC activities.

His thesis abstract is copied and posted.

Abstract

In an organization or business will have a lot of construction projects, any project also is importance. Ensure the quality of the project is very important for each organization. Aware of that, the quality management has been applied widely in their construction projects. But how apply the successful model of quality management for a construction project that is still a big question.

Organizations in Vietnam as some other countries, in fact, the signers disclaim the possibility of anticipating and detailing everything in the construction documents. Second, it is unstable for the construction environment. The complexity and size of project vary. Working conditions cannot be somewhat control. The employee is variable; its composition, motivation and size change. Cooperation between contractor and subcontractors is problematic. Those will affect the quality management of construction projects and it makes the project to delay, re-work and increase cost.

So, how to manage the quality of the construction project effectively? This thesis will research about quality management in construction project through theory and real case that is applied in PTSC Production Services Company.

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Investigation of Change Order Management: A Case Study of Oil & Gas Projects

Oil and gas project is very complex and changes could easily happen anytime. These projects mostly are huge with many phases such as engineering, procurement, fabrication, installation, pre-commissioning, commissioning for offshore facilities, and oil and gas platforms. They are considered to be very risky because of their complications and difficult conditions with high level of safety and requires big amount of money. Therefore cause of changes should be identified and classified.

Mr. Le Dang Thuc made a research which main objective was to study the change order management in EPC Oil & Gas Projects. The other objectives of his research were to: (1) investigate the different kinds of change order in oil and gas project; (2) assess the impact of change order in terms of cost and time; (3) investigate the change order process in oil and gas project; and (4) recommend ways to improve change order management in oil and gas.

Conclusion

Administering impact of change order in EPC oil and gas project is very significant to reduce time and cost and guarantee the success of the project. In order to do that, management of cost and time attached special importance to invest and innovate. There are five key concepts to manage impact with cost such as design cost breakdown structure, cost estimating, setting contingency, cost monitoring & control. The setting of contingency in contract price is to cover the cost in order to reduce risk and the unforeseeable events. To manage change order in term of time, the baseline and progress must be updated and reported.

In this study, several cause of change order were identified: alteration to specification, alteration to scope of work, alteration to contract, alteration to schedule, in which activity is unsafe under certain conditions; activity does not meet legal or regulatory requirements and others (example weather, political climate, etc).

Impacts of change order

According to five case studies, the impacts of change order in terms of additional cost are alteration to Scope of Work, alteration to Specification, others (Bad weather, Crane broken), and activity is unsafe under certain conditions. While the impacts of change order in terms of time are alteration to scope of work and others (Bad weather, broken Crane). Frequent types of change order were also identified such as alteration to scope of work, alteration to specification; activity is unsafe under certain conditions, Others (Bad weather, broken Crane), and alteration to schedule.

Time and cost impacts play an important role to prevent more extra time and cost during the execution. In CNV cases, it showed that the cost impact in construction phase is almost always high, as it is related to changes in costs of materials, risks in construction, designing, under pressure of schedule progress, and labor requirements during certain times of year, etc. Contract management is very complex and involves many phases, especially in oil and gas projects. Factors such as time, cost and quality have been managed strictly and change order forms are core parts of contract administration.

After studying and analyzing five different case studies, it has been found that the main cause of change order is the alteration to scope of work (78%). This happens due to reason such as change decision, change basis of design, location, and lack of estimation of scope of work. Alteration to scope of work is also the most cautious change order. This should pay more attention in contract dealings and should avoid happening. If there are alterations to scope of work, it will affect so much to project in term of cost and scheduling of project. Alteration to scope of work should be reduced and become a lessons learned for future project.

Change Order Process

Change order procedure is very significant to manage changes. This thesis shows a procedure for oil and gas project with 3 scenarios:

1. Client Originated changes - In the event that the Client requests the Contractor to prepare an estimate for a potential change, it shall be made formally by an instruction in writing from the Client. After the review and data input including time and cost, cause of change, the contractor will send VR to client for approval within a time frame. The client will check the VR with their requirement and issue a Variation order to execute project.

2. Contractor originated changes - Contractor identifies the change. They check the change in terms of time and cost, the relation with Client account, and then send to Client for review and approval. Within reasonable time, Client shall endorse the VR and return to Contractor. Client will follow this up with the issuance of VO.

3. Subcontract related changes - When changes occur, Subcontractor may consider giving rise to a claim for additional costs. The Subcontractor will immediately notify the Contractor via official communication. The Contractor responds by reviewing and approves the SVR.

These procedures will help company to be ready to cope with the change, as well as support for smooth execution of the project. To implement this procedure, all member need to understand and each step must be clear. To improve change order, system should be audited many times and innovated after seeing the mistake of sequence. The Project manager responds to guide all parties and all member of project team for clear and ready application.

Recommendation

In order to reduce change order, the project management system should be improved and include the following factors:



His thesis abstract is copied and posted.

Abstract

Oil and gas projects are very complex with huge budget therefore they are easy to raise change during execution of project. A lot of factors affect the project during execution of the project. Many problems could happen unforeseeably to the upcoming part of the project. Engineering Procurement Construction (EPC) process is complex and related to a large variety of variables therefore occurrence of changes in the scope of work is almost inevitable. Many factors such as financing, definition of work and regulatory matters also insert a certain degree of uncertainty into the project. The management of the change is very significant to prevent the impact of change order. Management system and identification cause of change should be play important role. The finding out what is repetitive causes will help Project team has a focal point to manage change order.

The causes of change are classified into 7 types which are based on the various parameters such as specification, scope of work, contract, schedule, etc. All of these changes are defined and analyzed.

In order to know how they administer in term of time and cost impact, this research has been assessed the 5 case studies and analysis is based on the cost estimate system, cost control, planning. Control research refers to the change order management system as per historical data of projects to identify the cause and the impact of change order. After studying and analyzing five different case studies, it has been found that the repetitive cause of change orders are alteration to scope of work. This happens due to the poor project management systems as estimation system, change decision, change basis of design, location, lack of estimation of scope of work and change order procedures.

Change order in oil and gas sector require leaders who can balance budgets and launch schedules and stay on task, because if a project is deemed too costly or late, it can delay the whole mission for months. Cost impact in construction phase is very high; therefore it is needed to pay attention during this period. To reduce change order, the scope of work should be clear. Cost estimates system use contingency in estimating a budget to cover rick, labor, project management system use responsibility break down, select expert vendor to supply material.

Time Impact in design phase is highest because of the following lack of communication, many deviations in design, change location and change design basis.

It is necessary to establish a change order procedure system to ensure effective project execution. A change management system will help a company to be ready to cope with changes and support smooth execution of projects.

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Special Purpose Vehicle in Toll-Road Project Development: A Case Study of the National Highway 14 Project in Vietnam

The government of Vietnam has made great efforts in strategic investment to develop trunk transport infrastructure such as expressway, railways, seaports, airports and in energy. According to the Ministry of Planning and Investment, Vietnam needs US$25 billion a year for infrastructure investment and the annual funding for infrastructure development from both public and private sectors estimates less than US$16 billion. While financing is always a crucial factor in infrastructure development, Vietnam has neglected the efficiency factors including project selection, investment coordination and management, poor planning and project design, lack of capacity in site management and supervision. These will cause delay and cost overrun in large project. Vietnam appears to be weakest transport infrastructure with the traffic jam occurring more and more frequently.

Clearly, Vietnam has some problems in investing to develop transport infrastructure especially in road transport.

According to ADB’s comment in fact sheet 2008, the project implement delays are a president problem in Vietnam’s portfolio. In workshop of ADB about PPP to deliver infrastructure services to the poor in Vietnam 2006, ADB also indicated some specific problems affect development PPP in road sector including difficulty in land acquisition, non-viable toll rates, and access information for bids and absence of qualifying experience with private sector shuts them out of competitive bidding where State owned Enterprises qualify. Following to Vietnam infrastructure strategy of World Bank 2009, transport was ranked the third most severe constraints and it is seen greater constraint than neighboring countries. The most and the second-most important constraints on transport business are poor quality and poorly managed/ service delays.

Mr. Truong Thi Van Anh made a study to find the solution on how to manage toll-road project development effectively under PPP in Vietnam. In order to solve this problem, three objectives were needed to accomplish:
(1) To investigate the development parameters of toll-road project in Vietnam under PPP approach.

(2) To assess key existing parameters in Vietnam road project development through criteria for good project governance together with analyzing legal arrangement and project finance under SPV.

(3) To propose the recommendations to improve and apply the development of toll-road project in Vietnam under PPP approach based on key components for good project governance.
Conclusion

1. Analysis and assessment specific features in toll-road project development

The study focused on two main SPV perspectives including legal arrangement and project finance. When analyzing the information collected, the researcher recognized that the project is only labeled PPP approach but the implementation process is entirely different. It stems from the lack of the proper legal framework for project development in form of PPPs. Both the government authorities and private developers still don’t have enough experience as well as thorough understanding about PPP aspects. Even the evaluation of economic efficiency and financial performance has still not been paid due attention. The financial status for developing projects depends on bank loans and the bank control all activities related to the project’s financial. Overall, the private investor who suffers the highest risk in toll-road project development and lacking of sharing with the public sector. In toll-road development, Binh Phuoc province in particular as well as Vietnam in general, both public and private sector only care about short-term goals and lack of long-term vision in planning and investing project.

2. Assessment of critical factors for good project governance

Based on the study of Abednego and Ogunlana in 2006, the key components of good project governance include five factors such as: (1) fairness, (2) transparency, (3) accountability, (4) sustainability and (5) effectiveness; the researcher assesses toll-road project development in Binh Phuoc province. This assessment was based on the results of the analysis project information along with five key factors. Therefore, discovering what kinds of project governance is essential to identify source of problems and to help to determine the best strategic solution. Specifically, the road project in this study has significant issues. In terms of fairness, the result of project’s feasibility based on optimistic data and the contactors and investors had effort to accept the poor design and master planning. Moreover, the government cannot support PPP legal framework as well as lack of document process and competitive environment. On the subject of transparency, it was discovered that the information management is quite cumbersome and lack of understand among stakeholders. Additionally, no proper planning in financial management, and the financial strategy is not clear, ensue investment strategy is ambiguous. As for accountability, the revenue expected in future bases on the optimistic data and lacking of the strategic economic development or the guarantee of traffic demand from the government. The quality is also not sure by the unclear relationship among investors, main constructor and supervisor together with lack of experience in management capability. Besides, the lack of coordination between the related parties led to an inconsistent infrastructure development across the country and also as a large number of unnecessary conflicts. However, the conflict resolution approach is not sufficient and it will affect the sustainability of project in long-term so that it will be so difficult to encourage the potential private investors participating in infrastructure development in the future. In administration practice, particularly relating project documentation process also requires improvement including essential historic sources of risks and consequences can be compiled. By having this information, the future project can be carried out more effectively.

Recommendation for improving toll-road project development in Vietnam

The development of road transportation is the most important objective of Vietnam in current period. Through the governance assessment of National Highway 14 was to show the weakness and limitation of Vietnam in participation of private investment. In order to improve better project governance and attract more private participation, the researcher would like to summarize the main recommendation as detailed in the table below.



His thesis abstract is copied and posted.

Abstract

Transport infrastructure development plays important roles to increase economic activities. So the Vietnamese government is very interested in investing for construction and improvement of transport. The participation of private contributions in transport infrastructure will help to reduce financial burden for the government. Public – Private partnership (PPPs) model is gradually applied in Vietnam to ensure the financial viability of the project as well as to improve quality and technical.

This study was conducted by case study methodology to fulfill three objectives. Firstly, investigation parameters for toll-road development in Vietnam under PPP approach. Secondly, assessment key parameters through criteria for good project governance together with analyzing SPV legal arrangements and project financing. Finally, base on the assessment results, recommendations for improving the development of toll-road project in Vietnam under PPP approach.

The results of this study found that both central and local government try to facilitate for participation of private sector in investment transport infrastructure but there are still many inadequacies. It is indicated through the assessment of five components including fairness, transparency, accountability, sustainability and effective. It also shows that Vietnam has not yet created a good environment for the application of PPP model in developing transport infrastructure.